If successful, Rwanda would become the first African nation to host the Worlds, which "would spark a considerable popular enthusiasm beyond the borders of Rwanda", a press release from the Tour du Rwanda organisation read.

"An official delegation of the Government of Rwanda submitted its application at the UCI headquarters in Aigle, Switzerland, to its president, David Lappartient, on Wednesday, September 12," it said.

The Tour du Rwanda has been running since 1988, and has been part of the UCI Africa Tour since 2009, and has since attracted a number of WorldTour and Pro Continental teams, including Team Novo Nordisk, Israel Cycling Academy and Direct Energie. This year it was won by Eritrean rider Merhawi Kudus of Astana.

Perhaps even more importantly, the race attracts huge local crowds.

"With its proven experience of organising the Tour du Rwanda for 11 years, Rwanda now wants to write a page in the history of cycling by becoming the first African country to organise the World Championships," read the press release.

"Such an event in the streets of Kigali, the capital city, would spark a considerable popular enthusiasm beyond the borders of Rwanda – a country that has become by courage and conviction an example of success in all areas.

"Sport is the best proof, and the organisation of these World Championships in 2025 would be a great message of hope for all the African continent, but also for the big family of cycling, which has been focused for years on the internationalisation of its sport," it said.